U.S. patent application number 13/354375 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-02 for device and process for handling coverslips for microscope slides.
This patent application is currently assigned to Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH. Invention is credited to Joachim HOFFMANN.
Application Number | 20120195731 13/354375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45876356 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120195731 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HOFFMANN; Joachim |
August 2, 2012 |
DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR HANDLING COVERSLIPS FOR MICROSCOPE
SLIDES
Abstract
The invention relates to a coverslip handling device (100)
comprising a pick-up component (200) for picking up a coverslip
(800) and a sensor device (203, 204) for checking the state of the
coverslip (800) picked up, the coverslip handling device (100)
being arranged to pick up a coverslip (800) automatically by means
of the pick-up component (200), to check the state of the coverslip
(800) picked up by means of the sensor device (203, 204) so that
unusable coverslips are detected, and to set down a coverslip (800)
that has been detected as being usable, automatically by means of
the pick-up component (200) on a slide (500) provided for this
purpose, wherein the coverslip handling device (100) is configured
to automatically discard a coverslip found to be unusable by means
of the pick-up component (200).
Inventors: |
HOFFMANN; Joachim; (Lorsch,
DE) |
Assignee: |
Leica Biosystems Nussloch
GmbH
Nussloch
DE
|
Family ID: |
45876356 |
Appl. No.: |
13/354375 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/752.1 ;
294/183; 294/86.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 2035/00079
20130101; G02B 21/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/752.1 ;
294/86.4; 294/183 |
International
Class: |
B65G 47/91 20060101
B65G047/91; B66C 1/02 20060101 B66C001/02; B66C 1/10 20060101
B66C001/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 31, 2011 |
DE |
102011003375.0-56 |
Claims
1. A coverslip handling device (100), comprising: a pick-up
component (200) arranged to pick up a coverslip (800)
automatically; and a sensor device (203, 204) for detecting a state
of the coverslip (800) picked up by the pick-up component (200),
the state indicating a usable coverslip or an unusable coverslip;
wherein the pick-up component (200) is configured to automatically
set down a detected usable coverslip (800) on a slide (500);
wherein the pick-up component (200) is configured to automatically
discard a detected unusable coverslip (800).
2. The coverslip handling device (100) according to claim 1,
wherein the pick-up component (200) comprises two pick-up units
(201, 202) for picking up and holding the coverslip (800).
3. The coverslip handling device (100) according to claim 2,
wherein the two pick-up units (201, 202) are suction units that
pick up the coverslip (800) by evacuating the suction units, and
set down the coverslip (800) by venting the suction units.
4. The coverslip handling device (100) according to claim 2,
wherein the pick-up component (200) comprises a counterpressure
element (203) disposed between the two pick-up units (201,
202).
5. The coverslip handling device (100) according to claim 4,
wherein one or more of the following are flexible: the
counterpressure element (203) and the two pick-up units (201,
202).
6. The coverslip handling device (100) according to claim 4,
wherein the counterpressure element (203) comprises at least one
first sensor of the sensor device.
7. The coverslip handling device (100) according to claim 6,
wherein the sensor device (203, 204) comprises at least one second
sensor (204) for detecting an additional coverslip adhered to a
picked-up coverslip (800).
8. The coverslip handling device (100) according to claim 1,
further comprising a guide rail (300), wherein the pick-up
component (200) is movable along the guide rail (300) into
different operating positions.
9. The coverslip handling device (100) according to claim 8,
wherein the pick-up component (200) is configured to be positioned
in a first operating position for picking up the coverslip, in a
second operating position for setting down the coverslip and in a
third operating position for discarding the coverslip.
10. The coverslip handling device (100) according to claim 1,
further comprising a holder (600) for receiving a replaceable
disposal container into which one or more unusable coverslips are
discarded.
11. The coverslip handling device (100) according to claim 1,
wherein the pick-up component (200) is arranged to automatically
discard a subsequent coverslip that follows a detected unusable
coverslip (800).
12. A coverslipper having a coverslip handling device (100)
according to claim 1.
13. A process for automatically handling coverslips, comprising the
steps of: picking up a coverslip (800) with a coverslip handling
device; detecting a state of the coverslip (800) with the coverslip
handling device, the state indicating a usuable coverslip or an
unusable coverslip; and discarding a detected unusable coverslip
(800) automatically with the coverslip handling device.
14. The process according to claim 13, wherein the coverslip
handling device comprises: a pick-up component (200) arranged to
pick up a coverslip (800) automatically; and a sensor device (203,
204) for detecting the state of the coverslip (800) picked up by
the pick-up component (200); wherein the pick-up component (200) is
configured to automatically set down a detected usable coverslip
(800) on a slide (500); wherein the pick-up component (200) is
configured to automatically discard a detected unusable coverslip
(800).
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of German patent
application number 10 2011 003 375.0 filed Jan. 31, 2011, the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a device and a process for
handling coverslips for microscope slides.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In histology, covering machines (coverslippers) are used to
cover slides on which for example tissue sections are located. It
is known for this purpose to apply metered amounts of a cover
medium (a kind of liquid adhesive) to the slide and then to press a
coverslip onto it to form a seal. Such a coverslipper is marketed
by the applicant, for example, under the name "Leica CV5030".
[0004] A process and a device of the generic kind are known from DE
101 44 048 A1. In coverslip handling devices and methods of this
kind the taking of the coverslip from a supply and the application
of the coverslip to a slide in order to cover a specimen are
carried out by one and the same pick-up element. However, this
pick-up element is relatively cumbersome and there is scope for
improvement in the handling operation in the event of breakage of
the glass.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention provides a possible method of improving the
handling of coverslips, particularly in coverslippers, so that
unusable, especially broken, coverslips are automatically detected
and automatically discarded as well. They are automatically removed
from the processing cycle. There is no longer any need for the user
to intervene manually. The processing speed and hence also the
cost/benefit ratio are significantly improved. In the prior art,
broken glass had to be laboriously removed from the equipment, with
some considerable risk of injury. These disadvantages are
overcome.
[0006] For automatically picking up the coverslip and depositing it
on the microscope slide provided for this purpose and for the
sorting process, the invention uses one and the same pick-up
component. The component costs therefore remain low.
[0007] The pick-up component can expediently be positioned in three
different operating positions for the automatic pick-up, set-down
and optionally rejection of a coverslip, namely a first operating
position for the setting down the coverslip, a second operating
position for the picking up of the coverslip and a third operating
position for the rejection of the coverslip. However, it is also
possible for the slide which is to be covered, the supply of
coverslips and/or a disposal container to be positioned within the
range of operation of the pick-up component, so that the pick-up
component can be positioned in one, two or three operating
positions.
[0008] If the pick-up component is moved along a guide rail, one
drive unit is sufficient to bring about this movement of the
pick-up component. This embodiment is very stable, requires few
components but still allows satisfactory handling of the
coverslips. By suitable shaping of the guide rail a predetermined
movement in two or three directions, for example, may also be
executed using a single drive unit.
[0009] If a coverslip is detected as being unusable, there is some
probability that there may be splinters of glass, for example, on
the next coverslip in the supply. According to an advantageous
embodiment, it is envisaged that at least one coverslip that
follows a coverslip detected as being unusable is also
automatically discarded.
[0010] The pick-up component expediently comprises at least two
pick-up units, so that a coverslip is held by the pick-up component
at at least two points. This improves the grip. A particularly
simple picking up and setting down operation is possible if the
pick-up units are configured as suction units, so that a coverslip
that is to be picked up can be picked up by evacuating the suction
units and set down by venting the suction units. Expediently, the
pick-up units are configured so as to be compressed during the
picking up operation.
[0011] Advantageously, the pick-up component comprises a
counterpressure element arranged between the two pick-up units. If
the pick-up units are of flexible construction, a certain flexing
of the picked up coverslip can simultaneously be achieved during
the pick-up. Setting down is also made easier, as the guiding of
the pick-up units leads to a controlled setting down of the
coverslip without any bubbles being formed.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a flexible, e.g. spring-loaded,
counterpressure element projects over a plane spanned by the
pick-up units, so that having been picked-up a coverslip is pressed
against the counterpressure element and at the same time flexed
slightly. This makes it easier both to pick up a single coverslip
and also to set it down in bubble-free manner on a microscope slide
provided for this purpose and prepared with a suitable adhesive.
This embodiment is also very stable and requires few components
while still allowing satisfactory handling of the coverslips.
[0013] During picking up, the pick-up units are preferably brought
close to the coverslip while the counterpressure element yields.
When contact is made the coverslip is securely held and raised at
its ends by the pick-up units which are compressed during the
pick-up. Then the pick-up component is raised. As a result the
counterpressure element relaxes and the coverslip is curved in the
desired manner. For setting it down, the coverslip is moved towards
the slide until it makes contact. It is set down by opening,
particularly venting, the pick-up units, causing them to decompress
and enabling the coverslip to return to its flat shape. This can be
assisted by pressing down while the counterpressure element yields.
However, there is no need to press or roll the coverslip on and the
drives that would otherwise be necessary to do this can be
dispensed with.
[0014] The coverslip handling device is equipped with a sensor
device for monitoring the state of a coverslip that has been picked
up. This sensor device expediently has at least one first sensor
which sends a corresponding signal when a usable coverslip is
correctly picked up by the pick-up component. The sensor may be,
for example, an optical sensor, a contact sensor or preferably a
magnetic sensor (e.g. a Hall-effect sensor).
[0015] Most preferably, the counterpressure element comprises a
first sensor of the sensor device. Thus the function of the sensor
and of the counterpressure element can advantageously be combined,
leading to a saving on components.
[0016] In an advantageous embodiment the sensor device comprises at
least one second sensor for detecting a coverslip adhering to the
coverslip that has been picked up. Two or more coverslips picked up
are detected as unusable and rejected.
[0017] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will
become apparent from the description and the accompanying
drawings.
[0018] It will be understood that the features mentioned above and
those still to be described hereinafter may be used not only in the
particular combination specified but also in other combinations or
on their own without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The invention is schematically illustrated in the drawings
by means of an embodiment by way of example and is described in
detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a
coverslip handling device according to the invention in a first
operating position for depositing a coverslip;
[0021] FIG. 2 shows the coverslip handling device according to FIG.
1 in a second operating position for picking up a coverslip;
[0022] FIG. 3 shows the coverslip handling device according to FIG.
1 in a third operating position for rejecting or discarding a
coverslip; and
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of a coverslipper
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] FIGS. 1 to 4 are described substantially cohesively and
comprehensively, while identical elements have been given the same
reference numerals.
[0025] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a preferred embodiment 100 of a coverslip
handling device according to the invention in different operating
positions. A coverslipper according to FIG. 4 which is equipped
with the coverslip handling device 100 is designated 700.
[0026] The coverslip handling device 100 comprises a pick-up
component 200 which is mounted so as to be movable along a guide
rail 300 in direction A along the coverslip handling device 100. A
first drive 310 is provided for movement in direction A along the
guide rail 300. The pick-up component 200 is also mounted to be
movable in a direction B, while a second drive 320 is provided for
movement in direction B.
[0027] The pick-up component 200 comprises two pick-up units which
in this case are in the form of suction units 201 and 202 for
picking up a coverslip 800. The pick-up component 200 also
comprises a counterpressure element 203 which in this case
simultaneously acts as a sensor.
[0028] The coverslip handling device 100 is also provided with a
disposal container holder 600 into which suitable disposal
containers can be inserted into which coverslips detected to be
unusable are discarded.
[0029] The movement of the pick-up component 200 in direction A
serves to bring the pick-up component into the different operating
positions for setting down, picking up and discarding a coverslip.
The movement in direction B serves to move the pick-up component
200 into and out of a coverslip magazine 400 in order to be able to
pick up a new coverslip. Moreover, the movement in direction B
serves to deposit a coverslip that has been picked up on a slide
500 provided for this purpose.
[0030] Fresh coverslips are stored in the coverslip magazine 400.
The magazine 400 is configured so that the coverslips are placed in
the magazine in the form of a stack. The magazine is tilted
relative to the horizontal, so that the left hand side wall 401 in
the Figures forms a defined stop for the coverslips stored therein.
This has the advantage that irrespective of their length coverslips
will always be positioned towards the front edge when placed on the
microscope slide 500.
[0031] In order to take out a new coverslip the pick-up component
200 is moved into the second operating position according to FIG. 2
along the guide rail 300. The curved shape of the guide rail
simultaneously causes the pick-up component 200 to move into a
tilted position which, in the second operating position,
corresponds to the inclined position of the coverslip magazine 400.
Then the pick-up component 200 is moved into the coverslip magazine
until the sensor 203 is contacted by a coverslip located in the
magazine 400.
[0032] The sensor is of flexible construction, the movement being
stopped when the sensor is pressed in to the level of the suction
units 201 and 202. The coverslip is then picked up by means of the
suction units 201, 202. The suction units 201, 202 are evacuated
and are slightly compressed at the same time. For this purpose,
sections of them are in the form of a bellows, for example. When
the pick-up component 200 is moved out of the coverslip magazine
400, the spring-loaded sensor 203 generates pressure on the
coverslip 800 that has been picked up and which consequently bends
slightly. If the coverslip is unusable, for example broken, this
leads to a position of the sensor 203 which is untypical for a
picked-up coverslip, for example because the sensor returns to its
resting position, and is detected accordingly.
[0033] Moreover, a second sensor 204 is provided which is contacted
by a correctly curved coverslip 800 that has been picked up. If a
usable coverslip is picked up correctly, this leads to a typical
composition of the signals of the two sensors 203 and 204. However,
if the coverslip is unusable, for example if it is broken or if a
number of coverslips are adhering to one another, this results in
an untypical signal composition for the two sensor signals. This
state is recognised as a fault.
[0034] Subsequently, the pick-up component 200 is moved into the
third operating position for discarding or rejecting unusable
coverslips as shown in FIG. 3. The curved shape of the guide rail
300 leads to further inclined position of the pick-up component
200, allowing the picked up coverslip 800 to be discarded more
easily.
[0035] When the pick-up component 200 has reached the third
operating position above the disposal container holder 600, the
suction units 201, 202 are vented and the unusable coverslip is
discarded. To simplify disposal into a disposal container provided
in the disposal container holder, a rejection hopper 610 is
provided to act as a guide. Because of the possibility of splinters
of glass being located on the coverslip which is next in the
coverslip magazine, when an unusable cover slip is detected the
following coverslip is also automatically discarded in this
way.
[0036] For ease of disposal, a waste bin, particularly a disposable
product, may be inserted in the disposal container holder. A waste
bin is provided underneath the coverslipping station. This may be
lined with metal foil, for example, and thus provides sufficient
resistance for holding residues of the coverslipping medium (e.g.
from the priming process) and fragments of glass (from coverslips
that have been detected or discarded). For disposal the bin can be
taken out, closed off with a lid and then taken away safely. The
waste bin could simultaneously serve as the delivery package for
coverslips. In this case the coverslips are taken out of the
package and placed or intermediately stored in the magazine 400,
for example. The package can then be inserted in the disposal
container holder as a waste bin and then used later for safe
disposal. The quantity of coverslips that can be sent in a package
solution of this kind could correspond roughly to the number
required between the changeover times for the waste bins.
Configuring the disposal container as a package and waste bin
provides a double benefit.
[0037] If the coverslip has been detected as being usable, the
pick-up component 200 is moved along the guide rail 300 into the
first operating position according to FIG. 1, so that the coverslip
800 that has been picked up is arranged above a microscope slide
500 that is to be covered. The coverslip is then set down by the
movement of the pick-up component in direction B. As a result of
the slight preliminary flexing of the coverslip, its centre is
first to be dipped into the coverslip medium as it is set down on
the slide. As soon as the suction units are vented, they
decompress, the coverslip straightens out and automatically
displaces the covering medium. There is no need to press or roll
the coverslip on and the drives that would otherwise be needed for
this can be dispensed with.
[0038] The invention provides a possible method of picking up
coverslips of different sizes from a magazine, checking them for
quality, in the event of a fault discarding them into a waste area,
but otherwise placing them accurately on the slide. Any discarded
coverslips can be safely stored and disposed of.
[0039] The invention is not to be limited to the specific
embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are
intended to be included within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *